Charleston, September 4, 2025
News Summary
Nurse practitioner Krysta Carhart is championing a medical respite program in Charleston aimed at aiding homeless individuals recently discharged from hospitals. With only one existing program in South Carolina, this initiative seeks to reduce rehospitalization rates by providing essential medical care and recovery space for vulnerable populations. Carhart, after observing the benefits of a similar program in Greenville, is optimistic about establishing such a service in Charleston, addressing the urgent needs of the local homeless community.
Charleston, South Carolina – Nurse practitioner Krysta Carhart is advocating for the establishment of a medical respite program in Charleston to support homeless individuals who have recently been discharged from hospitals and still require medical attention. This initiative comes as part of an effort to reduce potential rehospitalizations among vulnerable populations who often lack access to essential step-down care.
Medical respite care offers a dedicated recovery space for individuals recovering from medical conditions, particularly those without stable housing. Currently, approximately 237 medical respite programs operate across the United States, a significant increase from just about 80 only five years ago. Of these programs, nearly 40% are integrated within homeless shelters. However, South Carolina currently has only one program located in Greenville.
Charleston faces its challenges, as recent reports indicate that around 600 students in the county were identified as homeless at the end of the previous academic year. This alarming statistic underscores the urgent need for comprehensive support systems for unhoused individuals in the area. Executive director Suzanne Young of Gateway to Housing has pointed out several instances where individuals were discharged from hospitals and arrived at shelters wearing hospital gowns, illustrating the gap in care.
Carhart’s interest in medical respite was sparked just six months ago after learning about the concept through a podcast. With a decade of experience in healthcare, primarily working with vulnerable populations such as geriatric patients, she is focused on establishing a similar program in Charleston after visiting the medical respite facility in Greenville. This program offers private beds within the Miracle Hill Ministry men’s shelter, where patients can receive medical attention, meals, and support from care advocates.
The Greenville program caters to patients facing acute medical conditions, including complications from gangrene, amputations, and chronic illnesses. It aims to provide a transitional space that can decrease hospital readmission rates among those without stable housing. Funding for this valuable program has been made possible by a grant from the National Health Care for the Homeless Council, although it has faced challenges in forming financial partnerships with hospitals.
Carhart remains optimistic about the potential for launching a medical respite program in Charleston, believing that such a service could serve the local homeless population significantly. By gathering resources and exploring the implementation methods seen in Greenville, her aim is to create a viable solution for those in need of medical attention after discharge from hospitals.
Key Features of Medical Respite Programs
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Offers recovery space for individuals discharged from hospitals |
| Current Programs in US | 237 programs, up from 80 in 5 years |
| Programs in Shelters | 40% of programs are located within homeless shelters |
| Programs in South Carolina | Only one program exists in Greenville |
| Funding Source | National Health Care for the Homeless Council |
| Target Population | Individuals with acute medical conditions and no stable housing |
FAQ
What is a medical respite program?
A medical respite program provides specialized care and a safe recovery space for individuals who have been discharged from hospitals but still require medical attention, particularly those who are homeless or lack stable housing.
How many medical respite programs are there in the United States?
As of now, there are approximately 237 medical respite programs across the United States, a significant increase from about 80 five years ago.
Why are medical respite programs important?
These programs are essential as they help reduce hospital readmission rates among patients by providing them a dedicated space to recover while ensuring they receive necessary medical care.
What challenges do medical respite programs face?
Challenges often include securing financial support and building partnerships with hospitals to facilitate care for patients, especially in regions with limited existing programs.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Medical Respite for Homeless in Charleston
- Wikipedia: Medical Respite
- Indy Week: Home-Like Respite Stay in Raleigh
- Google Search: Medical Respite Care
- Gold Country Media: Proposed Medical Respite Center
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Home Health Care
- New York Times: Home Health Care Aide Labor
- Google News: Homeless Support Programs
Author: STAFF HERE CHARLESTON
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